Dublin SFC Round 2 - St Oliver Plunketts ER 1-11 Raheny 1-08

It’s said that a good start is half the battle and so it proved to be as Plunkett’s booked their spot in Round 4 of the Dublin SFC after being pushed all the way by Raheny at Parnell Park on Wednesday night.

Ciarán Whelan’s young side, missing 4/5 regular starting players,several of whom were attending the wedding of team mate Donal Ryan, put in a sterling second half but ultimately it was their slow start which left them with a bit too much to do if they were going to perform a giant-killing act.

Plunkett’s had 1-5 on the board inside the opening ten minutes and it was an advantage they never relinquished despite an heroic effort by their opponents.

Declan Lally scored Plunkett’s first half goal as the Navan Road men led 1-6 to 0-4 after a tactical change within their ranks allowed Raheny to get a foothold in the game and get back into it following the early onslaught.

Raheny pressed strongly in the second half with their goal coming from a David Henry penalty rebound – his initial effort being brilliantly saved by Philip Brogan, following a foul by Paul Brogan on Gavin Ivory who looked certain to find the net.

But when he was needed most Bernard Brogan popped up with an inspired late point to see his side to victory. Raheny must take their chances in Round 3.